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Enterprise Chief Officers Unite at Sketch Summer 2024 to Champion Diversity, Equity, and Innovation

更新日:2024年7月20日


CXO Leaders posing for a group photo at Sketch Summer 2024
CXO Leaders posing for a group photo at Sketch Summer 2024

Nearly 50 CXO leaders gathered on June 19th, 2024 for the Sketch Summer 2024 event at the Kamiyacho Trust Tower WeWork offices, known for its stunning views of Tokyo Tower and the new Azabudai complex.


The half day gathering kicked off with an introduction from Aya Shimada, founder of CULTURELABS, who emphasized the need for cognitive diversity in the business world.  Shimada pointed out that Japan, grappling with issues like an aging population, economic challenges, and a lag in digitalization, needs transformative innovation to navigate its current state of crisis. She underscored that diversity, especially cognitive diversity, is essential for sparking creativity and driving change.


Aya Shimada of CULTURELABS talking to CXO in front of a white board with WELCOME written
Aya Shimada of CULTURELABS welcomes CXO leaders

"Instead of glossing over the issue of diversity, we need to discuss how to become a more inclusive society," Aya stated. "Diversity brings different perspectives together, leading to innovation and transformation. It's about survival and thriving in a rapidly changing world."


Johnny Yoo of WeWorks Japan talking
Johnny Yoo CEO of WeWork Japan talking

Johnny Yoo, CEO of WeWork Japan, followed with a toast celebrating the event's significance. He expressed his optimism for Japan's future, stressing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in propelling the country towards a period of substantial growth over the next decade. "I'm very bullish on Japan," Johnny declared. "But we absolutely need more diversity to transform Japan into a global leader and a beacon of hope."


Seiji Yasubuchi of AXA Holdings Japan talking in front of a whiteboard
Seiji Yasubuchi CEO of AXA Holdings Japan presenting his DEI initiatives

The event's keynote speeches brought in perspectives from top industry leaders. Seiji Yasubuchi, CEO of AXA Holdings Japan, emphasized the critical role of CEOs in championing DEI initiatives. He shared AXA's initiatiives, highlighting their efforts in promoting gender diversity, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and accommodating employees with disabilities. "Diversity alone is not enough to bring innovation. Inclusion must be set together with diversity," Yasubuchi asserted. He illustrated how AXA's practices of inclusion and diversity have driven employee engagement and resilience.


CXO leaders listening to speeches
CXO leaders listening to speakers

Seiji further explained the broader benefits of DEI, including enhanced innovation and increased societal trust, especially in the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment. "Our customers are diverse by nature. It’s crucial that our company reflects that diversity to build trust and attract talent," he said. "DEI is not just beneficial; it’s a fundamental human right and a necessity for any organization."


Joining online, Jens Heitland, former Global Head of Innovation at IKEA Centers, shared a compelling case study on how diverse teams drive innovation. Jens recounted his experience leading a global project to reinvent IKEA with sustainability at its core. By fostering collaboration across different parts of IKEA and involving external partners, Jens and his team developed new store design principles and a groundbreaking investment strategy. "The biggest opportunity we have is collaboration between humans," Jens noted. He emphasized that the success of the project was rooted in a simple yet effective innovation process: exploring, sourcing ideas, testing, and implementing solutions collaboratively.

Jens Heitland, formerly of  IKEA Centers visbile on a screen as he talks online at Sketch Summer 2024
Jens Heitland, former Global Head of Innovation at IKEA Centers, talking online at Sketch Summer 2024

Jens highlighted the lasting business impact of these collaborative efforts, noting that the relationships and networks formed during the project continue to drive innovation within IKEA and beyond. "The collaborations we established have created a win-win for everyone involved," he said. "It's not just about business success; it's about building a community that supports ongoing innovation and growth."


Following the keynote speeches, the CXOs divided into six groups, each participating in a workshop led by one of six storytellers. Each storyteller guided the discussions with episodes from their own lives and experiences on specific topics, which we have previewed here. These stories sparked further conversations as each group member contributed their own insights and experiences.


CXO leaders in groups discussing with their 'Storytellers'
CXO leaders in group workshops with their 'Storytellers'

(Click here for a synopsis/preview of the speakers talks:

Larry Bates, Former Board Member, Managing Executive Officer, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk Officer, Panasonic Holdings

Miki Oikawa, Representative Director and President, Pola


Yohei Shibasaki, CEO, Fourth Valley Concierge

Aya Shimada, Founder, Culturelabs


Ted Nakai, CPO Office Leader, Chief of Staff to the CPO, LIXIL Corporation)


The event concluded with a mixer in the WeWork VIP room, offering attendees a chance to network and discuss the insights shared during the session while enjoying the breathtaking views of Tokyo. The gathering not only highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion but also showcased practical steps and real-world examples of how these principles can drive meaningful change and innovation in organizations.


Three photo montage of the mixer session with people around the buffet, Tokyo Tower and two people talking to each other
Mixer in the We Work VIP Room overlooking Tokyo Tower

As Aya Shimada summarized, "Let's innovate and bring about change through diversity." This event set a powerful precedent for how Tokyo's business leaders can embrace and leverage diversity to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the modern world.


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Some of the participants' post-event feedback were:

"Exceptional quality of the speakers and attendees."

"Loved the diversity of the people. Looking forward to the next one."

"Really great people!"

"The sessions were on point and concise, not too long."

"It was deep networking, in addition to the important social topics."

"Next time get a bigger space." (turn out was near 100%)


Many attendees said they followed up with each other to discuss business and career opportunities.

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